Tuscaloosa honors veterans in Memorial Day program

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Command Sergeant Major Robert Wheat urged veterans to "share your experiences" with friends, family and neighbors at Tuscaloosa's Veterans Memorial Park Monday morning, so that more Americans will understand and appreciate what Memorial Day is intended for.

Wheat, of the Alabama Army National Guard, spoke to gathered veterans, community leaders and family members at the Veterans Memorial Park Association Memorial Day Program.

"Every minute of every day, there's a soldier far from home, giving everything for a higher cause," Wheat said.

Tuscaloosa Memorial DayA member of the American Legion Honor Guard plays "Taps" at Tuscaloosa's Memorial Day commemoration Monday, May 26. (Melissa Brown/al.com)

The Tuscaloosa County American Legion Honor Guard performed a gun volley salute and "Taps" during the ceremony, located just beside the park's "Honor Roll of Veterans" monuments.

The engraved stones feature more than 3,000 names of service members from Alabama who have served honorably on active duty or in the reserves.

In a salute to fallen soldiers in recent conflicts and wars, Holt High School's Army JROTC Color Guard constructed a Battlefield Cross before presenting roses in front of it.

Veterans from all branches of services were applauded during the Armed Forces Medley, as members of each military branch stood while their respective service song was played.

Tuscaloosa's Veterans Memorial Park Association hosted Monday's program and continues to oversee the Veterans Memorial Park and its monuments. Tuscaloosa's Parks and Recreation Authority maintains the park, but is to be reimbursed for maintenance costs from the Veterans Memorial Park Endowment Fund.

Association representatives said Monday that to expand and maintain current structures, including former service vehicles on display like the "Huey" attack helicopter and guns from the USS Tuscaloosa, the park needs assistance from the community.